HuMUS Project Hosts Seminar on Soil Health and Precision Agriculture in Dojran
As part of the HuMUS – Healthy Municipal Soils project, a seminar titled “Replication of HuMUS Dialogue – Soil Health and Precision Agriculture: How Can Technology Improve Sustainable Agricultural Practices” was held in Dojran, North Macedonia. The event showcased project achievements, raised awareness about European soil-related initiatives, and explored how technology can drive sustainable agriculture.
The seminar began with an address by Mr. Boro Kaevski from the SWG RRD, who introduced the HuMUS project and its relevance to current EU policy priorities. His presentation covered key elements of the EU Soil Strategy, EU Soil Manifesto, and Soil Monitoring Law, as well as the objectives of the EU Mission: A Soil Deal for Europe. He highlighted the need for aligning local and national efforts with these strategies to improve soil health across the Western Balkans.
Next, Mr. Petar Stefanoski of SWG RRD discussed regional cooperation through the Regional Expert Advisory Working Group (REAWG) on Soil and the Western Balkan Soil Partnership (WBSP). He highlighted progress in harmonizing soil protection approaches and supporting policy alignment with the European Green Deal and Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, stressing the importance of structured dialogue among institutions, experts, and local authorities.
Professor Ordan Chukaliev, PhD (Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Skopje) delivered a technical presentation on “Soil Health and Precision Agriculture – How Can Technology Improve Sustainable Agricultural Practices”. He introduced participants to the fundamentals of soil health, showcasing digital tools like remote sensing, GPS-guided machinery, and sensor based soil monitoring systems. These technologies, he explained, help farmers boost productivity, combat soil degradation, and adapt to climate challenges.
The seminar concluded with a review of the HuMUS Dialogue outcomes in North Macedonia, presented by Mr. Kaevski. He shared the Memorandum for Cooperation signed with national stakeholders and discussed replicating this collaborative model in other municipalities.
An interactive discussion followed, where participants representing the Local Action Group “LAG Bojmija”, the National Paying Agency in Agriculture, Municipality of Dojran, National Extension Agency, agricultural association “Agrosojuz”, NGO “Florit”, and AviFly (a drone technology company) exchanged feedback and expressed strong interest in future HuMUS initiatives.
The event successfully strengthened stakeholder engagement, expanded knowledge of EU soil policies, and demonstrated how innovative technologies can support sustainable agriculture and soil health in North Macedonia and beyond.
